Omaha approves $7.2m belt filter press expansion and IRA funding study for Papillion Creek WRRF

Omaha approves $7.2m belt filter press expansion and IRA funding study for Papillion Creek WRRFThe City of Omaha is advancing major biosolids handling upgrades at its Papillion Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility while simultaneously initiating a qualification study to tap into federal Inflation Reduction Act funding.

The City Council unanimously approved a $7,254,500 contract with Eriksen Construction Co., Inc. for the Papio WRRF Belt Filter Press Expansion.

The council authorized up to $400,000 for RSM US LLP to conduct an Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Qualification Study for the facility.

Both the construction contract and the qualification study will be financed through the city's Sewer Revenue Improvements Bond Fund.

A $621,337 change order was also approved for the Giles Road Siphon Replacement project.

The Omaha City Council has greenlit a significant capital upgrade for the Papillion Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), approving a $7.25 million contract for a belt filter press expansion. The contract for the rebid project was awarded to Eriksen Construction Co., Inc. during the council's May 5, 2026, meeting. Alongside the physical infrastructure upgrades, the city is actively exploring new federal funding avenues for the plant. The council authorized a purchase order addition of up to $400,000 with RSM US LLP to provide an Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Qualification Study specifically for the Papillion Creek WRRF. Both the belt filter press expansion and the IRA study will be funded through the city's Sewer Revenue Improvements Bond Fund. The approvals were passed unanimously as part of the council's consent agenda. In additional wastewater system actions, the council approved a $621,337 change order with Judds Brothers Construction Co. for the Giles Road Siphon Replacement project, which will also be financed by sewer revenue bonds. Furthermore, the city advanced property acquisition ordinances and permanent sewer easements for multiple Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) initiatives, including the 61st & Radial Storm Sewer CSO Project and the CC204 Phase 4A Sewer Separation CSO.